San Jose State University?

[Jman522]

I've been doing a lot of research into many different schools offering art programs.

After narrowing my options down I found San Jose state University of California, I was aiming for their BFA in Animation/Illustration.

I visited the school, they seemed quite adequately equipped with diverse opportunities to find internships through the school since it is required of the program, as well as a mandatory portfolio review.

I was wondering what would some of your guys/gals thoughts be on the school and art programs that they offer.

thanks^^

[thesinfulsaint]

I think San Jose State is a really amazing school for the price. The animation/illustration program is partially funded by Dreamworks. I've off an on thought of what life might be like had I discovered the school back when I was in high school, knowing what I know now. Not only that, but the location doesn't get any better.

[Jman522]

I think San Jose State is a really amazing school for the price. The animation/illustration program is partially funded by Dreamworks. I've off an on thought of what life might be like had I discovered the school back when I was in high school, knowing what I know now. Not only that, but the location doesn't get any better.

yea, I've heard a lot of good news from parents who have sent their kids there, but nothing specific about the animation/illustration program. I also thought the location would be a great place to find valuable internships that could possibly lead to careers.

Thanks for your input^^

[Aozora-Hime]

I too have heard from others, as well as people working in the animation business, that San Jose State Uni has a great animation program. Since I completed education for another totally opposite degree yet can't finish the program due to compaction, I'm changing my major and heading off to actually major in something I love--art and animation. My concern is that I've already taken over the 70 units allowed for transfer to SJSU--none of them are art classes--so I'm concerned that the classes I'm taking this semester, specifically pre-reqs for SJSU's animation program, won't transfer over.

But that's my nervous rant!

[JesArt]

Is that school really that amazing ? Maybe I should take a look before my final decision on transfering. BRB

[JesArt]

WOW, I just took a look at there Animation/Illustration department, its really neat, hmmm, might have took look more into it. HMMM. I want to go to Ringling in all, but I have to think about my future when it comes down to money.

[Jman522]

WOW, I just took a look at there Animation/Illustration department, its really neat, hmmm, might have took look more into it. HMMM. I want to go to Ringling in all, but I have to think about my future when it comes down to money.

Yea, I'm also tight on money in general, but it did take me a while to narrow it to down to San Jose State, I visited quite a few other schools, such as AI and Expression, they seemed like decent programs but I got the huge impression they were schools that wanted me to do super intense speedy courses and get me the hell out of there as soon as they got my money. As well as many complaints from students and numerous staff changes on a regularly basis, specifically at Expression.

So I looked into state colleges, I found San Jose State to have a much more fleshed out program and specific majors within the art program. But overall I still need to take the plunge and experience it first hand to really see what its like, but it seems like a better shot for me then the other schools were.

[JesArt]

Yea, I'm also tight on money in general, but it did take me a while to narrow it to down to San Jose State, I visited quite a few other schools, such as AI and Expression, they seemed like decent programs but I got the huge impression they were schools that wanted me to do super intense speedy courses and get me the hell out of there as soon as they got my money. As well as many complaints from students and numerous staff changes on a regularly basis, specifically at Expression.

So I looked into state colleges, I found San Jose State to have a much more fleshed out program and specific majors within the art program. But overall I still need to take the plunge and experience it first hand to really see what its like, but it seems like a better shot for me then the other schools were.

You are right about that Jman, they have a very much more fleshed out program, 5 years wow, that makes a total difference, I always thought that I would be going to a art art school, but if Iam given a chance to go, I might not turn it down. Now I must visit before I make that decision but its so much more inviting. $13,000 v.s $26,000 in tuition is a very big difference, it would be alot lower if I was instate, but still thats a huge difference, the artwork for that department is also stellar, I stayed up until 5 a.m this morning just looking and aweing at their artwork. I just dont want to struggle paying off student loans, yes they are worth it, but once you start paying them off, thats a totally different story. I have some serious thinking to do. Thanks for the heads of JMAN. :mod:

[SlowDaddie]

SJSU is a good school, but beware, acceptance into their program is extremely tight. They only accept 1 student per year for their graduate program, and around 10 per year for their BFA program. Part of the reason why SJSU is such a great program is because they're probably the most selective and competetive than all other art schools. They don't play around over there.

[Aozora-Hime]

are they that picky? wow. are they more centered towards 3d and not so much 2d? Or is it an equal both? Also, what about CSU Fullerton?

[meowmeow22]

SJSU is a good school, but beware, acceptance into their program is extremely tight. They only accept 1 student per year for their graduate program, and around 10 per year for their BFA program. Part of the reason why SJSU is such a great program is because they're probably the most selective and competetive than all other art schools. They don't play around over there.

Woooooo i didnt have any idea they would be that selective. Are you sure? How can they only accept that many people if they don't even do portfolio reviews until after the first year (or second..?)??

[minaa]

I can help! I'm currently attending SJSU and I'm going to be applying for portfolio review in the fall for this very major.

The school IS hard to get into, but they do what they can on their end to train and prepare you for the portfolio. So in essence, the only reason you don't get in is because... you didn't work hard enough, or sadly, you aren't good enough to have the potential to cut it in the professional industries associated with the program.

Meowmeow22, the reason why they are super selective because the amount of A/I hopefuls rank at about 750-900 students, and about 1 in 15 get in (so, say, the program has about 50 students at a time, from what I can tell) who apply and make it to the port review.

It's not impossible, it is hard, but it's totally worth it. The staff is amazing, the skills and networking you learn even before you enter the program are indicative of how prepared you will be once you graduate, and I could go on and on.

Aozore-Hime: They have talented teachers and challenging curricula in both traditional 2D animation and 3-D modeling and animation. I can't say much about Fullerton, so perhaps you can ask around, see if anyone's gone to Fullerton or is currently attending that school?

www.sjsuai.com don't just take my word for it. Check it out yourself.

www.shrunkenheadman.com is the associated club with the major and it helps keep the community and builds networking, it also offers low-cost figure drawing sessions to keep students practicing.

[Polina]

Is tuition for instate and out of state students different? I looked at the website and it did not go into details, just the amount per credit.

[minaa]

Polina, tuition for out of state students is higher, although by how much I can't say. It should be listed somewhere on sjsu's website, though.

[kittens]

Thanks so much for the info minna!

Now this is for the graduate program or the undergraduate as well? I've applied to the school, for this fall undergraduate. I'm hoping but everyone is saying it's so hard to get in at all. They haven't asked for my portfolio or anything yet though I dunno = /

[Aozora-Hime]

keep us informed, Kittens! Love your sketchbook, btw! Especially the Sailor Venus pic! <3

[minaa]

Kittens, I have very little information regarding the master's program. I would wager that's very selective. All the information I've given is for undergraduate studies.

However, if you have applied to attend SJSU in the fall, then the guidelines you follow are through the general CSU application (and even though you aren't *in* the program you still state your major on the application. They give preference to decided majors over undecided), at CSU Mentor or through a mail-in. I didn't have to show any of my artwork, and I doubt that you will as well. Keep vigilant of any requirements, though.

I would like to make something clear: the portfolio review is not designed for incoming freshmen. It's intended for students who have attended SJSU, who have taken the designated prerequisite classes, who have trained and show they know and are committing to memory material that will make them successful in the industry. You aren't in the program until you've passed the review, and you have about two years of schooling after that point, give or take a semester (if you aren't fooling around). This, and the bloated infrastructure of SJSU's GE and major systems are why it takes many students five, six, or more years to finish their major, especially in work-intense programs like Anim/Illust or Engineering (for comparison).


ETA: If you want information regarding tuition for out of state students, feel free to call the Registrar or the Bursar. They will answer questions for you, but keep in mind they are very busy--they do not always have time to pick up, and you are often put on hold for a while. Because SJSU has been overcrowded for a long time (they are doing what they can to reduce incoming students and produce faster outflow of students), there is a lot of bureaucracy and stiff necked employees. With them, patience and politeness while still being persistent is the best method of interaction. They go a lot farther for you, generally.

ETA2: With any university, SJSU especially, talk to the Animation/Illustration advisers (not GE advisers) ASAP after you've been admitted here. They do not advise in the summer. They are separate from the fine arts advisers. The orientations help, but the advisers are your best friend when it comes to helping you pick out courses. When you get to SJSU, keep in mind that unless you have transferring credit for certain required art courses, you will have to take general beginning art courses and they can be time consuming (this all may change next year, honestly, and so also take that info with a grain of salt, but the info I'm about to give you applies to every semester you attend SJSU). Plan out your semesters intelligently, so that you get GE out of the way as well as your prereq art courses (I would take two-three max per semester provided you have an easy GE course load) so that you don't become overloaded. I don't recommended taking four art courses your first semester at SJSU--even though the advisers might like you to, according to their premade plan (to get out of the program in 4.5 years, which fyi is a rare rare thing). You may burn out, which is the exact opposite thing you want to achieve (it happened to me and so, I'm a year behind attempting to catch up).

[Aozora-Hime]

Minaa, I am taking pre-reqs right now for SJSU, and my biggest fear is that I'll get stuck in that program for several years. I hate the San Jose area and want to get in and out of that program as fast as possible (Id much rather live in LA, and I'm considering CSUF, even though SJSU is better). However, I completed ALL my GE, pre-reqs and co-reqs for Nursing but cant get into a program so I'm changing my major to Animation (art and animation is my true passion-not nursing!). Im hoping that I wont have any GE I need to do besides the art pre-reqs, which Im taking at a community college and only have one more semester of that left. Idk if I should talk to academic advising for that, or for a specific animation adviser; I've looked at the website but they only have the professors and lecturers listed, and not advisers to contact. Any advice?

[minaa]

If your goal is to get in and out of the program ASAP, I don't know if SJSU is right for you. The program takes time for everyone involved, and if you really have an issue with the surrounding area, perhaps you should try going somewhere else. You'll be here probably three years after you get everything out of the way at a JC, if you're lucky and you plan things right (the odds all depend on what transfers from your JC). But, on the plus side, if you come to SJSU with a positive outlook, the area may at least hold a neutral value for you and you can take the benefits of one of the best art educations you can get at a California public university.

At SJSU you need to talk to both GE advisers and your major advisers to have everything line up perfectly. Alice Carter and Courtney Granner are the directors and advisers of the A/I program, so they are the ones to contact.

P.S. http://ad.sjsu.edu/ is the Art and Design main page, which should have updated admission and adviser info independent of the animation/illustration program.

P.P.S.: I should add that any BFA is going to take time and hard work if it's good. CSU Fullerton may take a similar amount of time.

[Aozora-Hime]

I think the only reason I want to finish soon is that I wasted so much time doing another study and nothing ever came from it. I have friends younger than me who are already in graduate programs, and its just a bummer. I agree that it will definitely take due time to get a degree, and CSUF will likely take just as long. But I do want the best education I can get for a state price, and I feel like SJSU has better opportunities than CSUF does in terms of internships and finding good positions in the field. Thanks for the advice! Are you a current student in the program?

[minaa]

I totally understand. I'm in my senior year and I switched back to this major last semester (I had some of the prereqs done but not all) after realizing that I made a mistake thinking this wasn't the major for me. I'm a year behind because of it and I was already on a five to six year plan. Some of friends are graduating this semester in other programs. I also know that a lot of people in this major aren't finished yet and are in their mid-late twenties... it's not something you should let get to you. The point is you're getting taught at the right place in the right way, getting to where you want to go in the profession you love. It helps to know that there are other people your age and older, at your point, who aren't as far along as you, etc.

I'm applying for the program in the fall as I'll be in the appropriate class then (I'll have all my prereqs save for two classes, and all my lower GE, done). After that, I should have two to two and a half years left.

P.S. You should talk to both your JC counselors about the units you're concerned about, as well as the advisers at SJSU. I don't know which advisers to talk to, but you *should* be able to pick and choose in some cases which classes you want to transfer if you have over 70 units.

[Aozora-Hime]

Yes I will absolutely have more than 70 units, and several of those are unnecessary pre-nursing classes like anatomy and physiology or pharmacology. I also hope to GOD they let me pick and choose. Can I email or talk to counselors over the phone about my transcripts & advising? I'm not sure how quickly I will be able to get out to SJSU's campus as I am busy with school & work to make a day trip there when they're open.

That's also good to know that there are older students there! Question: I would love to see some of the work the students do--do they have exhibitions often, or post their work somewhere? I looked a while back at the schools site and only saw a bit of what they did, and I'd like to see more. I want to make sure I can fit in there!

[minaa]

That's something you want to talk to your counselors at your JC about, because they're the ones who handle the paperwork regarding transferring units. Making an appointment with them is your best bet.

And, if you go to the main page for the program, it has a "featured work" link that has 2009's reels and illustrations. Some semesters the work is stronger than others in specific areas so I'd definitely see about looking at spring 2010's work as well, and alumni websites.

[SenseofTouch]

I've been following a plan to transfer from City College of San Francisco to Academy of Art University, but recently I've been looking for cheaper ways to obtain my education that will land me into the industry just as well. I want to study 3D Animation and Visual Effects, but I'm more into the 3D Modeling/Texturing/etc aspect of it than Animation

Until now, I've never considered UC's or State Universities. Instead, I've only been looking at art colleges like Academy of Art University, Vancouver Film School, Ex'pression College, etc. I want to do the 3D Animation and Visual Effects like you see in District 9, Pixar films, Assassin's Creed, etc. Can SJSU give me an education for that kind of art, more specifically the modeling, texturing, lighting and such? I'm more into making the picture look good than making it move. "Animation/Illustration" doesn't really tell me anything. I don't want to do 2D animation for a career. Illustration?? I mean, sure I'll need the skills for 3D animation and visual effects, but I don't want to major in Illustration. So what's going on??

[Jman522]

I've been following a plan to transfer from City College of San Francisco to Academy of Art University, but recently I've been looking for cheaper ways to obtain my education that will land me just as well into the industry. I want to study 3D Animation and Visual Effects. For now, I'm thinking of specializing in the 3D Modeling division, but of course I prefer a more well-rounded education in 3D Animation and Visual Effects as a whole.

I've looked at Vancouver Film School and Ex'pression College and now I'm looking at SJSU. Can you guys tell me everything I need to know about their animation/illustration program and if they will suit my stated needs? Please reply, no one ever replies to the threads I make...

I went and checked out Expression college at their open house, they use a lot of nice tricks and presentations to make the school seem like an ideal place, but keep in mind I was checking out their game design program specifically. Overall I felt like the school was trying to get me in any which way they could, but after my excitement went down I compared what they had to offer, price, internship ops, and lots and lots of student reviews. I heard a lot of horror stories and also I've heard the staff changes out quite quickly. But again I wouldn't say any of this is concrete, but a lot has changed since I realized I would be much more satisfied with an education geared more towards fundamentals rather then a vocational approach like Expression.


I also should add I have had a free to their graphic design program, and she seemed to love the school so I say look into the school with an open mind and see if what they have to offer suites your needs.

[SenseofTouch]

I want to study 3D Animation and Visual Effects, but I'm more into the 3D Modeling/Texturing/etc aspect of it than Animation

Until now, I've never considered UC's or State Universities. Instead, I've only been looking at art colleges like Academy of Art University, Vancouver Film School, Ex'pression College, etc. I want to do the 3D Animation and Visual Effects like you see in District 9, Pixar films, Assassin's Creed, etc. Can SJSU give me an education for that kind of art, more specifically the modeling, texturing, lighting and such? I'm more into making the picture look good than making it move. "Animation/Illustration" doesn't really tell me anything. I don't want to do 2D animation for a career. Illustration?? I mean, sure I'll need the skills for 3D animation and visual effects, but I don't want to major in Illustration. So what's going on??

[SenseofTouch]

I've decided to go with their animation/illustration program. I'm going there for a tour this weekend and I'm going to try to work out a transfer plan from community college to SJSU.

[NoSeRider]

Art Center finally lets the general public easily access its student portfolio:

http://www.artcenterillustration.com

I see little difference between the entertainment design students at Art Center:
http://www.artcenterillustration.com/#/gallery/entertainment-arts/

and the entertainment design program students at San Jose State University:
http://www.shrunkenheadman.com/illustration/gallery.php?g=32

Those are just hard facts staring you right in your face. So why pay more?

[lethalfairy]

I think it's important to note that getting into SJSU's art program is impossible to non-local students for the fall of 2010. They're only accepting students from Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. I applied for transfer from a different California county with a 4.0 GPA and all gen ed complete and they waitlisted me. Now I'm debating taking another years worth of classes to apply for a private school or hoping SJSU lets non-local students into their art program next year now. As it is, non-local transfers are completely shut out from many of their majors, including art.

[Aozora-Hime]

I think it's important to note that getting into SJSU's art program is impossible to non-local students for the fall of 2010. They're only accepting students from Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. I applied for transfer from a different California county with a 4.0 GPA and all gen ed complete and they waitlisted me. Now I'm debating taking another years worth of classes to apply for a private school or hoping SJSU lets non-local students into their art program next year now. As it is, non-local transfers are completely shut out from many of their majors, including art.

I also JUST heard about this earlier tonight from a friend who applied for their fall semester, which is a pisser cause all my art classes I'm taking right now were intended for transfer to that school. I wish they had something posted on their site somewhere, but I didn't see anything (nor did she, I guess). Is this a budget issue? I hope it resolves, b/c now is the time when we start registering (and paying) for fall classes. I don't want to take classes that won't count for anything if they decide to close their program to out of area transfers.

[meowmeow22]

I also JUST heard about this earlier tonight from a friend who applied for their fall semester, which is a pisser cause all my art classes I'm taking right now were intended for transfer to that school. I wish they had something posted on their site somewhere, but I didn't see anything (nor did she, I guess). Is this a budget issue? I hope it resolves, b/c now is the time when we start registering (and paying) for fall classes. I don't want to take classes that won't count for anything if they decide to close their program to out of area transfers.


Well this just compltely sucks because I have been waiting and waiting to hear from SJSU, which was my only school i applied to. I still haven't heard but assuming the same thing will happen to me, I will be waitlisted? Does that mean I still have a chance? Maybe if I appeal or something?

[pkhenhen]

keep in mind that the A/I program at SJSU is trying to get you to know a little of everything, so even if you focus on concept art, you would have to take at least 3 classes of animation and some 3d modeling classes as well. The same is for animation, you would have to take a few illustration classes. And the reason why it takes so long for many of the students to graduate is because all the classes after you get into the program is pretty intense and is only recommend to take 2 a semester. 3 max.

I hope this was helpful.

[minaa]

Sorry guys! I didn't realize my subscribe option wasn't returning all posts from this thread.

I want to study 3D Animation and Visual Effects, but I'm more into the 3D Modeling/Texturing/etc aspect of it than Animation

Until now, I've never considered UC's or State Universities. Instead, I've only been looking at art colleges like Academy of Art University, Vancouver Film School, Ex'pression College, etc. I want to do the 3D Animation and Visual Effects like you see in District 9, Pixar films, Assassin's Creed, etc. Can SJSU give me an education for that kind of art, more specifically the modeling, texturing, lighting and such? I'm more into making the picture look good than making it move. "Animation/Illustration" doesn't really tell me anything. I don't want to do 2D animation for a career. Illustration?? I mean, sure I'll need the skills for 3D animation and visual effects, but I don't want to major in Illustration. So what's going on??

Sorry guys! I didn't realize my subscribe option wasn't returning all posts from this thread.

Exactly what pkhenhen said. SJSU is an all-inclusive program--they want you to have as many marketable skills as possible because the industry changes almost every year. Illustration is an option you can take, but you don't have to go that route. Once you are in the program, you have the option to pick animation emphasis over illustration (about a three class difference). However, 2D is a huge part of that--you have two animation classes, one storyboarding class, and then two advanced division courses that are repeatable that are focused on Maya modeling and animation. Before you even get in the program, they want you to show that you know how to draw. You don't have to be at the level that some people are here at CA.org (who are in school, not the seasoned pros, haha), but you need to know the figure, you need to know how to paint, and you need to understand perspective. They teach you all of that prior to the portfolio review, though. And, knowing how to do all of the above makes you more marketable when you want to work for big name movie companies.

Aozora-Hime, meowmeow22:

Yes, SJSU is being stingy with their acceptance cap. Their budget cuts are squeezing the number of freshman down to local counties first and all other CA counties second, other states third, and international last (if my memory serves correctly). It doesn't mean you won't get in, but having a plan B is smart. The last two semesters have been chaotic and frustrating here since we've had some big budget constraints (even with a little bit of a money buffer) from the administrative side. The classes are still going on, the program is still amazing, and it's still worth applying. I have another couple of friends who are applying to other programs here, and they have to sit in community college for another year because of application constraints for spring 2011.

C'est la vie, but we'll get through it.